Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced the 2025 regular-season schedule with the fanfare fitting the final day of the 2024 All-Star break. Each franchise's individual schedule can now be readily accessed on their respective official websites.
Overseas Kickoff in Tokyo
The 2025 season will feature a grand international commencement, harking back to baseball's global appeal. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will set the stage with a pair of opening games at Tokyo Dome on March 18-19. Enthusiasts can anticipate star-studded lineups, with the Dodgers showcasing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Meanwhile, the Cubs will counter with their own Japanese standouts, Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki. This series marks MLB's first return to Japan since the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners opened their 2019 season in Tokyo, rekindling memories and building new bridges in the sport's international outreach.
Historical Early Opening Day
Following the excitement in Tokyo, the traditional Opening Day is set to commence on Thursday, March 27, the earliest in MLB history. This landmark date will see all 30 teams in action, serving up a feast of baseball to fans worldwide. While only four divisional matchups will populate the opening slate, the full day promises an immersive start to what is expected to be another thrilling season.
Noteworthy Series and Debuts
Significant attention is directed towards the Athletics, who will embark on their season with a four-game series in Seattle. The intrigue doesn’t stop there; on March 31, the Athletics will play their inaugural game in Sacramento, a landmark moment for the franchise and its fans. This debut will be part of a three-game series against the Cubs, further spicing up the initial week of competition.
In a slight turn from recent trends, the Tokyo Series remains the only international fixture on the 2025 schedule. Although there were initial hopes for games in Paris, those plans did not materialize, leaving fans to wonder about future international MLB endeavors.
Rivalry Weekend and Other Highlights
Another highlight of the 2025 season is "Rivalry Weekend," slated for May 16-18. This weekend promises intense competition, featuring 11 divisional series and four geographic rivalries, providing ample narrative for fans and analysts alike. Notably, some interleague rivals will clash in six games rather than the usual four, adding more fire to already smoldering rivalries.
All-Star Festivities in Atlanta
On the heels of another anticipated first half, the midseason will shine brightly with the 95th All-Star Game hosted at Truist Park in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 15. The All-Star Week festivities will be comprehensive, including the Futures Game on July 12, the draft kicking off on July 13, and the spectacle of the Home Run Derby on July 14. These events will indisputably create a centerpiece around which fans can gravitate, celebrating the sport's present and future stars.
Season Conclusion and Postseason Game Plan
The journey of the regular season will wind down on Sunday, September 28, with all 30 teams seeing action, ensuring a climactic finish. The final day promises heightened stakes featuring eight divisional matchups, potentially deciding postseason berths and seeding. The playoffs are scheduled to commence just two days later, on September 30, setting the stage for another dramatic October in Major League Baseball.
As the 2025 MLB season approaches with international flair, historical milestones, and classic rivalries, fans have a wealth of reasons to eagerly anticipate every pitch, swing, and catch in a campaign promising to deliver high-octane excitement and unforgettable moments.